Postherpetic neuralgia - Symptom

Symptoms:

The main symptom is pain in the area where shingles once occurred.

The pain can range from mild to very severe. It may continue, or come and go.
The pain is described as a deep aching, burning, stabbing, or feeling like an electric shock.
People with this pain are very sensitive to touch or temperature changes.

The pain lasts for months or sometimes years after the shingles infection.

Reviewed last on: 6/28/2011
Ari S. Eckman, MD, Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Recommended adult immunization schedule: United States, 2011. Ann Intern Med. 2011;154:168-173.

Chen N, Li Q, Zhang Y, Zhou M, Zhou D, He L. Vaccination for preventing postherpetic neuralgia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Mar 16;3:CD007795.

Wilson IF. Herpes zoster. Ann Intern Med. 2011;154:ITC31-15.

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